WWE: Why the Miz and Alex Riley Should Reunite in the Tag Team Division

Since losing the WWE Championship in the main event of Extreme Rules over two years ago, The Miz has been mostly directionless on Monday Night Raw. He's managed to win the Intercontinental Championship on two occasions, but neither reign was enough to bring him back to top-tier status.

In the summer of 2012, Miz even took time off from WWE for a brief while to film The Marine 3. Although he came back refreshed and rejuvenated, it wasn't long before he was relegated to being an enhancement talent once again.

I, for one, have thoroughly enjoyed Miz's face run thus far, but it's safe to say that it has been horribly handled. It's been a long while since the Awesome One was last involved in a meaningful feud, which I find to be a shame given how much he could be worth to the company.

It's interesting to note that Miz's troubling times truly began the night after 2011's Over the Limit pay-per-view, where he was viciously attacked by his former protege Alex Riley on Raw. Riley is another individual who hasn't meant much as of late, but that can change within an instant.

Following his feud with Miz in mid-2011, Riley fell off the radar on Raw and hasn't been seen since. He's been injured a number of times in the last two years as well, which obviously hasn't helped matters.

Alex Riley vs. The Miz

From what we saw from the Varsity Villain during his time at the top on the flagship show, he showed true potential in the squared circle. Sure, he could use some additional polishing, but he displays exuberant charisma and really knows how to ignite an audience.

Speaking of such, many people (current Superstars included) have gone on record and stated that they are shocked to hear Riley still garner a mildly loud reaction whenever he competes at live events. That's incredibly impressive for someone who rarely ever is featured on television.

What do you do with two tremendously talented Superstars who have been left without anything to do? Simple: you pair them together.

It's hard to argue that Riley's best days in WWE were when he was paired with The Miz during his reign as WWE Champion in late 2010 and early 2011. The two made for quite the dynamic duo, which is why I was saddened to see them go their separate ways two years back.

Usually, their split would indicate that both guys were moving on to bigger and better things, but that has yet to be the case for either individual. If anything, the careers of both Miz and Riley have floundered since they bid adieu to one another.

Not only that, but the tag team division could use all the help it could get at the moment. The rivalry between current WWE Tag Team Champions Team Hell No and The Shield has proven to be entertaining up to this point, but there aren't many credible teams to challenge for the straps once it concludes.

A fired Alex Riley attacks The Miz

I fully expect The Shield to capture the titles at the Extreme Rules event in a few weeks or shortly thereafter, while Daniel Bryan and Kane return to singles competition. Once that happens, this will allow to Miz and Riley to reunite and chase the treacherous trio for the gold.

I just think it's a crime to waste two bright, young stars when they could be put to good use. The tag team division is sorely lacking at the moment, and I think this Downstait duo is exactly what it needs to help put it back on the map.

Besides, the last time they were paired together was when they were still hated heels. Now that both have come to embrace the WWE Universe, I strongly believe it could make for an incredibly intriguing tandem.

Thanks for reading, Bleachers, and feel free to drop a comment below with your thoughts on the potential pairing of The Miz and Alex Riley. As always, your criticism and overall feedback of my latest piece is welcomed and greatly appreciated.